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Clayton Richard elects free agency

The San Diego Padres today announced that left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard has elected free agency after clearing outright waivers. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement. The Padres 40-man roster remains at 40.

Richard, 30, was 2-5 with a 7.01 ERA (41 ER, 52.2 IP) with 24 strikeouts in 12 appearances, including 11 starts, with the Padres in a season that included two stints on the disabled list. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an intestinal virus on May 5, sent to minors on a rehabilitation assignment on May 16 and activated on May 27. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain on June 22 and transferred to the 60-day disabled list on July 12 where he ended the season following surgery to repair the AC joint in his left shoulder. He also was 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA (12 ER, 44.0 IP) with 12 strikeouts in two rehab starts with AAA Tucson.

Richard is 46-47 with a 4.33 ERA in 147 games, including 129 starts, in his Major League career. He was named the 2012 Padres' Pitcher of the Year after going 14-14 with a 3.99 ERA in 33 starts and 218.2 innings.